We have been given the advice that those who are displaced should consider registering at a local shelter and with the Red Cross and other agencies present at the shelters. Most of the State and Federal aid coming in will use these lists as a point of contact so registering at a shelter will help to ensure that you don't get left out. Here is a link to sign-up for an orientation by the Pepperdine University School of Law about the basics of applying for aid through FEMA.
Video that describes how to download your purchase history from Amazon, which might be helpful in itemizing insurance claims and proving proof of purchase.
How to navigate the aftermath of a wildfire READ HERE
Underinsured If you are underinsured, you may be able to borrow a low interest rate, 30 year loan, up to $500k from the Small Business Administration. You can borrow both as homeowners and as a business. So it can be $1M+. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires.
Bright Harbor Bright Harbor is an agency that helps families recover after a disaster. They can help to coordinate State and Federal relief, advocate with your insurance provider, and provide a range of other support and benefits. https://brightharbor.com/get-started
Property Tax Relief Anyone who incurs more than $10,000 worth of damage can file a property tax appeal using the link below, even if your house was not destroyed. And, if your home sustained more than $10k of damage, you can appeal for property tax relief. https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief
Jewish Free Loan Association Zero-interest and zero-fee loans of up to $15,000 are available for fire evacuees through the Jewish Free Loan Association. You do not need to be Jewish to apply for a loan. https://www.jfla.org
For needs related to return-to-school such as materials, supplies, uniforms, and technology, or to discuss academic accommodations, please contact your child’s dean and communications@hw.com.
For counseling needs, please contact a member of the school counseling team.
Middle School Counseling Team: Kelly Decker (kdecker@hw.com) Jullian Lee (jlee@hw.com) Rebecca Neubauer (rneubauer@hw.com)
Upper School Counseling Team: Michelle Bracken (mbracken@hw.com) Brittany Bronson (bbronson@hw.com) Camille da Santos (cdasantos@hw.com) Emily Joyner (ejoyner@hw.com) Tina McGraw (tmcgraw@hw.com) Kat Scardino (kscardino@hw.com) Marci Reichert, Director of Wellness, mreichert@hw.com.
To speak to the business office about financial considerations, please contact Greg Gonzalez, Director of Financial Aid, at ggonzalez@hw.com.
For alumni who have lost diplomas or other HW mementos in the wildfires, please contact Sam de Castro Abeger, Director of Alumni Relations, at sabeger@hw.com.
This comprehensive legal resource for fire victims was prepared by HW student Jake Marquez ‘26.
Here is a list of LA restaurants that are offering free means to fire evacuees.
Sahaja Douglass is offering free therapy sessions (3 per client) for teens, adults and parents of children who have been impacted by the LA Fires. She is experienced working with grief and loss as well as anxiety and depression. For more information visit www.SahajaPsychotherapy.com or email Sahaja@SahajaPsychotherapy.com.
Here is information from The Help Group about services for neurodivergent students. The recent wildfires have been devastating, and The Help Group is here to provide unwavering support and resources to those impacted. We understand the profound effects these events can have on individuals, especially those with special needs and mental health challenges. Here's how The Help Group can help:
Debris cleanup Rocco Borgese is offering bulk pricing for lot clearance and can determine if foundation can be saved. He's built over 100 homes in the Palisades and will personally supervise. He's licensed and bonded and testing many lots for asbestos this week. Call or text him at 310 989 8512.
Megan Hersch ’96, is offering free space planning and furniture shopping lists for people who were displaced due to the fires as they find new places to live through her interior design platform, roomLift. No purchase is necessary. Anyone interested can email her at megan@roomlift.com.
NorthStar Moving is offering three months of free storage for HW families who need a place to put their belongings while their homes are being cleaned/restored from fire/smoke damage. Call 800-275-7767 and let the operator know that you are calling from Harvard-Westlake.
Last updated: 1/30/25 at 10:58 a.m.